Yang Zhao and Yang Shidao traveled all the way, with far fewer pedestrians on the road and indeed, as the city gate guards had said, everywhere they looked was filled with mourning clothes.
In a flash, the two arrived at the Yang family ancestral home.
At this time, the spring chill had not yet departed.
The Yang clan ancestral home's vermillion lacquered main gate had completely lost its luster, and all three layers of door lintels hung with plain white silk.
Hemp knots tied the copper bells at the eaves' corners. When the wind passed, the sound was like sobbing, interweaving with the northern wind of the late February cold snap, sweeping up frost fragments from the newly laid mugwort on the steps.
"Young Master Shidao, Master Zhao." The guards at the main gate all wore hemp shoes. Seeing the two, they bowed in greeting.
The two entered the Yang residence.
They soon arrived before the main hall.
Seven-chi white banners hung down like silver silk beneath the main hall's eaves. Inside the mourning hall, twelve mourning curtains moved without wind, with sandalwood incense and paper ash interweaving into mist.
Hearing movement outside, Yang Wenfeng turned to look. Seeing Yang Shidao and Yang Zhao, he immediately said in surprise, "Why have you two returned?"
"I heard that the Su-Zhou family dispute has already ended, with considerable losses for all families, so Worthy Nephew Shidao and I hurried back."
As Yang Zhao spoke, he looked toward the person in the black coffin. It was actually the Grand Elder.
"Grand Elder, Uncle, how are my Yang family's losses?"
"Twenty innate perfection martial artists, six grandmasters, one sixth layer Qi Refining immortal cultivator. Only seven innate perfection, two grandmasters, and Yang Yan returned alive."
"Cousin and the others..."
"All died in battle." Yang Wenfeng's eyes brimmed with tears, his face showing grief as he sighed deeply, "Among grandmasters, besides me, only the Third Elder survived, but one of his arms is also crippled. The rest also all have various injuries."
"Our Yang family's century of martial Dao foundation, seventy to eighty percent is gone."
Yang Shidao's eyes were bloodshot as he said in grief and rage, "How can it be so brutal? Wasn't it said that the Zhou family had a much greater chance of winning?"
"This is already good. If not for the Zhou family ancestor killing Ancestor Su at the last moment, his corpse causing the Su family disciples' minds to become disordered, plus turning the Su family's allies against them, otherwise another great half of the survivors would have died."
"How is Yang Yan? Why don't I see him?"
"He received a Barrier Breaking Pill gifted by the Zhou family and has already gone into seclusion to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining. If successful, my Yang family can have another layer of deterrence. After all, every family suffered heavy losses. Although the Chang family and Shen family's grandmaster perfection experts didn't die, they were also severely injured. Two late-stage grandmasters also died, and Family Head Chang also died in battle. Their days aren't any better than our Yang family's."
Yang Zhao sighed, "Regardless of which family won between the Su and Zhou families, the greatest beneficiaries are ultimately those two families. Next are the other immortal cultivation families. Only at the end does it come to us martial Dao families."
Yang Wenfeng's brow furrowed as he suddenly asked a seemingly random question, "How have you been at the Xu family?"
Yang Zhao was startled and said, "The Xu family now is indeed completely different from before. There are quite a few rules. They arranged us all together in the west courtyard. The courtyard is elegant and quiet, but we can't wander freely outside the west courtyard. Where the Xu family can host guests, everything is thorough and detailed, with no faults to pick. The younger generation are all outstanding. Dewen once fought with Ruifeng. Having a plan in mind, he used his attacks to open acupoints and achieved a breakthrough to a first-rate martial artist in the heat of battle."
"What else?" Yang Wenfeng asked again.
"Also, the people of Dongxi Village are all prosperous and healthy, loyal to the Xu family. Oh yes, I also once suggested to Xu Chuan that he move the Xu clan to the commandery city to watch over and help each other with my Yang family. Unfortunately, he hasn't given me a clear reply to this day."
"Ai," Yang Wenfeng suddenly let out a heavy sigh, "It's no wonder. Perhaps all of Yuehu Commandery doesn't know the extent of the Xu family's development."
"Uncle, what do you mean by this?"
"Let's go. Let's talk in the study. This isn't the place for conversation."
In the study.
The two stood before Yang Wenfeng, quietly waiting for him to speak. However, he also waited for a long while before saying, "Yang Zhao, while you were at the Xu family, did you never discover anything different about the Xu family, anything different about your son-in-law Xu Mingwei?"
"Different?" Yang Zhao thought for a moment and said, "He's become increasingly unfathomable."
"He once fought with Worthy Nephew Shidao."
"Old Family Head, it was I who wanted to resolve my obsession and requested a battle with him. It's just that Shidao wasn't very capable and was defeated by a single punch. Moreover, he didn't even use his innate true qi."
Yang Shidao said with emotion, "I clearly asked him to use his full strength, yet I didn't even have that qualification."
"Of course he wouldn't use innate true qi." Yang Wenfeng said.
"Why?" Yang Shidao and Yang Zhao spoke in unison, both showing puzzled expressions.
"Have you ever heard of an immortal cultivator still having innate true qi in their body?"
"Immortal cultivator?"
The two still didn't understand what Yang Wenfeng meant by this.
"Xu Mingwei is no longer a martial artist but has stepped onto the immortal Dao and become an immortal cultivator. Tell me, how would an immortal cultivator use innate true qi to face enemies?!"
"This is impossible!" Yang Shidao said, "When I fought with him, I clearly could perceive that the qi and blood in his body were incomparably surging, absolutely grandmaster-level qi and blood."
"Two days ago, during the Su-Zhou family dispute, I personally saw him standing on his sword in the void, even standing alongside Ancestor Zhou. Can this still be false?"
"A martial Dao expert's realm can't be hidden from immortal cultivators, but immortal cultivators have many methods to deceive us martial artists."
"The Xu family has never been as simple as you see on the surface."
"Previously remaining patient and not acting, silently accumulating strength, now making a high-profile debut in the Su-Zhou family dispute. I imagine they're already fully prepared. Even facing immortal cultivation families, they have the power to resist."
Both Yang Zhao and Yang Shidao were shocked into silence.
They even found it somewhat hard to believe.
I've been a guest at an immortal cultivation family for so long without any awareness?
I sparred with an immortal cultivator and was defeated by the force of a single punch?
When spells are used, there would also be spiritual qi fluctuations. If Xu Mingwei had used them back then, at such close distance, it would have been very difficult to hide from Yang Shidao, so he only used his own physical strength.
"At first, I thought the Xu family was just an ordinary county town small clan to our Yang family, needing to look up to us and watch our expressions. Later, knowing their potential, I thought they could watch over and help each other with our Yang family in the future. However, in the Xu family's eyes, from beginning to end, our Yang family has only been clowns jumping around. Now, just revealing a few claws and fangs, they've become an existence we look up to and yearn for."
Yang Wenfeng declared, "If the Xu family isn't destroyed, Yuehu Commandery will definitely be a world belonging to the Zhou and Xu families."
Pausing, he continued, "Yang Zhao, you have the deepest ties with the Xu family. Maintaining that connection will depend on you. I've also said that after this battle ends, you will be my Yang family's head until you cultivate a suitable successor."
"I understand." Yang Zhao nodded heavily, "Uncle, I will shoulder my responsibilities."
Yang Wenfeng patted his shoulder, then said, "Let's go. Since you've returned, you should also follow me to pay respects to the Grand Elder and the other elders."
…
The Xu family.
Jade Cold Pool.
Xu Chuan summoned all of the Xu family's current immortal cultivators, including Xu Dezhao and Xu Deheng.
"I've called you here this time because there's a major matter to announce."
"Father, what is it? Why so serious?" Xu Mingshu, dressed in dashing red attire, sat on the tiger's back and said.
"The Su-Zhou family dispute has already ended. The Su family was exterminated, and Mingwei also made a high-profile appearance in this battle. With the merit of saving Ancestor Zhou and blocking the Su family's reinforcements, he obtained thirty percent of the Su family's foundation."
"And these are the additional spoils he gained from killing the Su family head."
Everyone was in an uproar, then attracted by the magical artifacts flying out of the storage bag one after another.
"Such cold and icy aura. What kind of magical artifact is that?!" Xu Mingyuan asked.
"A top-tier magical artifact, the ice-attribute Profound Ice Awl, owned by Ancestor Su. Basically, only Foundation Establishment stage immortal cultivators can fully unleash its power."
"What about this yellow large seal?" Xu Mingxuan said.
"The Black Tortoise Seal, an earth-attribute high-grade magical artifact, but like my Phoenix Furnace, belongs to the high-quality tier. Its defensive power is extremely formidable."
"The other two are ordinary high-grade magical artifacts." Xu Chuan swept his gaze over everyone. Seeing the light in their eyes, he smiled faintly and said, "Whoever reaches the seventh layer of Qi Refining first can obtain a high-grade magical artifact first. First come, first served."
"Then one of them is definitely mine." Xu Mingshu immediately said.
In terms of progress, she was a step ahead of Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan, having already entered the sixth layer of Qi Refining.
"Then the other one is mine." Xu Mingxuan was also slightly proud.
The three of them were currently closest to the seventh layer of Qi Refining. The others were much slower.
The only one who might possibly overtake them was the junior Xu Deying.
"You're all bullying me for having poor talent." Xu Mingyuan laughed self-deprecatingly.
Everyone burst into laughter.
"Mingxian, you've labored greatly for my Xu family. This Black Tortoise Seal is yours. It can make up for your defensive insufficiency."
"Father, you also don't have a defensive magical artifact..."
"I don't need one for now. With Father's status, few people would have crooked thoughts. Moreover, if there's nothing urgent, Father stays at home and won't be in danger."
Xu Mingwei said, "Mingxian, if Father tells you to take it, take it."
"I understand, Big Brother."
Xu Mingxian took the Black Tortoise Seal. It transformed into a yellow stream of light and entered his storage bag.
Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingwei and said, "Your attack is already sufficient. Only your magical artifact is lacking. When there's an opportunity in the future, Father will find someone to forge a high-grade or even high-quality precious bow for you."
"Thank you, Father." Xu Mingwei cupped his hands.
"Furthermore, these two technique manuals are respectively 'Blood Lineage Traction' and 'Soul Prohibition.' All my Xu family's immortal cultivators need to cultivate these two secret arts. I've already studied them. 'Blood Lineage Traction' isn't difficult. Spending ten days to half a month practicing in your spare time should be enough to master it. 'Soul Prohibition' is more difficult, but also slightly easier than the 'Breath Concealing Art.' Shortly, you'll all imprint a copy and practice in your spare time when you return."
"Yes." Everyone said in unison.
"Next is to discuss the matter of establishing an immortal cultivation family. An immortal cultivation family is ultimately different from a martial Dao family. Although martial Dao grandmasters can also have the lifespan of Qi Refining stage immortal cultivators, the martial Dao path stops at grandmaster with no further path forward. Immortal cultivators, however, can achieve Foundation Establishment, increasing lifespan by two sixty-year cycles. If they break through to Golden Core, they can increase lifespan by another five hundred years. This is the great dao of longevity and immortality!"
Everyone's minds were swayed by these words.
They were attracted not only by that longevity and immortality but also yearned for the divine abilities mastered by great immortal cultivators.
"Therefore, the clan rules of an immortal cultivation family must also change."
Xu Chuan continued, "Previously, my Xu family's clan rules were people-oriented. On this foundation, I'm adding another principle: centered on immortals. In the future, the Xu family may go further and further, with more and more clan members. But those who occupy the family's core must be immortal cultivators. Because in this world, only power is the true principle. Only power can protect those you want to protect and preserve what you cherish. Of course, this also doesn't mean that immortal cultivators are high and mighty and can arbitrarily abuse and oppress ordinary clan members, people of vassal families, or those common folk. Because we immortal cultivators are first and foremost also human."
Everyone present had solemn expressions and subconsciously nodded in agreement.
"When high and low are united in purpose, the Xu family's fortune will flourish, and we can go further and further."
"Father, centered on immortals, people-oriented. I seem to understand yet not quite. Can you explain more clearly?" Xu Mingshu asked.
Xu Mingwei smiled and said, "What Father means is that this family ultimately has immortal cultivators in the leading role, so the family core or those in power must be immortal cultivators in order to have the ability to resist external risks. If we compare the Xu family to a giant boat, then immortal cultivators are the rudder, the decision-makers, guiding the direction and deciding how the Xu family will develop in the future. People-oriented means that immortal cultivators are also born from the common people and should guard their original intentions and not forget their roots."
"Xueji understands now. Thank you, Big Brother." Xu Mingshu smiled slightly.
"Father, the main points are simple and clear, but the key to implementation is still the clan rules." Xu Mingyuan said.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "Mingyuan is right. So formulating clan rules is extremely important, like a person's hands and feet. But different periods will have different changes, so clan rules absolutely cannot stick to old conventions. They can be added at any time and deleted at any time. Of course, additions and deletions must also go through the Council of Elders' vote."
"Council of Elders?" Xu Dezhao asked curiously, "Is it an existence like the Yang family's Council of Elders?"
Xu Chuan nodded, "Indeed. Not only the Council of Elders, there will also be a Discipline Hall managing family discipline and punishments, a Mission Hall issuing family missions. An Immortal Arts Hall managing family pills and magical artifacts while also training family descendants in the hundred immortal arts. A Battle Hall managing family external combat and guards. A Spirit Beast Hall cultivating family spirit beasts. For now, we'll first establish these six halls. This also won't stick to old conventions."
"Then for the Spirit Beast Hall, at a glance, I'm obviously the hall master." Xu Mingshu said.
Roar~
The white tiger beneath her also roared once.
Who else but Big Sister!
Xu Chuan smiled helplessly.
His way of thinking was also divided according to the immortal sects he imagined.
Actually, whether immortal sects, families, or nations, their management was more or less the same.
Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Father's thinking is extremely detailed. Elders make decisions, deciding major clan matters and clan rules. The Discipline Hall manages punishments, making clan members and vassal families reverent. The Immortal Arts Hall handles logistics and cultivation, continuously producing talent for the family. After all, immortal cultivation struggles are mostly resource struggles, including pills, spirit stones, magical artifacts, and so on. The Battle Hall cultivates sharp blades for facing enemies. The Mission Hall motivates family descendants to advance, letting them know there's no such thing as getting something for nothing. As for the Spirit Beast Hall, Father, I think it can be abolished and merged into the Immortal Arts Hall."
"Wait, Second Brother, why is it that when it comes to my Spirit Beast Hall, it needs to be abolished? Little White is so angry he's about to rebel!" Xu Mingshu secretly pinched the crimson golden pupil White Tiger.
However, its wisdom had greatly increased. Knowing it had no part to interject, it just shook its head and refused to speak.
"I raised you for nothing! Stinky Little White!"
Xu Mingxuan laughed heartily, "Xueji, beast taming is also one of the hundred immortal arts."
"I..." Xu Mingshu was immediately speechless.
"Father was negligent. Then let's merge it into the Immortal Arts Hall for now. If it grows and becomes an important part of the Xu family that cannot be ignored in the future, it's not impossible to list it separately."